
Central government considering Rajasthan’s proposal for a camel milk powder facility, driven by high international demand.
The Union government has given a strong indication of support for market diversification within India’s dairy sector, with Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, confirming the Centre will consider Rajasthan’s proposal for a dedicated camel milk powder plant. This strategic initiative, discussed during a consultative parliamentary committee meeting in Jaisalmer, is being prioritized due to the demonstrable “high overseas demand for camel milk.” The decision reflects a focused intent to transition India’s dairy dominance beyond conventional bovine milk and capture value in the growing global market for specialized and exotic dairy commodities.
This proposed value-addition project holds significant promise for socioeconomic upliftment in Rajasthan, where camels are deeply embedded in the culture and recognized as the “backbone of the rural economy.” The establishment of a processing plant designed for camel milk powder is expected to unlock new markets for the region’s numerous camel herders, providing a stable, high-value outlet for their produce. By commercializing this resource, the initiative directly supports Rajasthan’s long-term objective of becoming a national leader in both animal husbandry and advanced dairy production.
In parallel with this diversification effort, the meeting highlighted existing government initiatives aimed at boosting traditional milk production efficiency. Specifically, the Mission Utkarsh program in Jaisalmer, an aspirational district, focuses on promoting genetic improvement through artificial insemination and enhanced livestock care. Under this mission, 52 Pashu Maitri have already been trained, directly empowering local workers to increase milk productivity at the grassroots level and help livestock farmers achieve the goal of doubling their income.
To solidify the state’s dairy infrastructure and ambitious expansion goals, Rajasthan’s Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry, Joraram Kumawat, utilized the platform to outline state plans and request substantial Central support. Kumawat detailed efforts to expand the dairy network to all villages by 2030, including the development of advanced milk processing infrastructure and national-level branding for their dairy products. To achieve this scale, the Minister formally requested ₹2,297 crore in additional Central funding for essential veterinary infrastructure, including new hospitals and sub-centres.
Finally, the state articulated specific needs for genetic enhancement and disease protection crucial for the long-term health of its livestock population. Minister Kumawat requested assistance in procuring 10,000 doses of high-quality Gir cattle semen from Brazil to improve the genetic pool of indigenous breeds. Furthermore, he sought Central support for the deployment of the Lumpy Pro vaccine, emphasizing the comprehensive approach necessary to protect livestock health and ensure the continuity and security of Rajasthan’s growing dairy supply chain.
Source: Find the complete report on the government’s dairy strategy in The Times of India.
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